Experience Family Camp at Métis Crossing: Culture, Connection, and Unforgettable Summer Memories

April 30, 2025

There are family getaways—and then there are weekends that live in your heart long after the bags are unpacked. Family Camp at Métis Crossing is that kind of experience.

This three-day, all-inclusive cultural retreat brings families together on the land where Métis ancestors lived, worked, and thrived. Nestled along the North Saskatchewan River, the camp blends outdoor adventure, Métis traditions, cozy accommodations, and plenty of free play—making it the perfect place to reconnect with one another while learning about one of Canada’s founding Indigenous Peoples.

A Family Favourite: The Pilarskis’ Story

For Christina and Peter Pilarski and their two boys, Métis Crossing has become a treasured part of their family’s story. While they haven’t attended Family Camp specifically, they’ve experienced the magic of Métis Crossing in other ways—and their memories capture exactly what makes this place so special.

“Our youngest still talks about meeting Elder Lilyrose and learning to sew,” says Christina. “He carries the pouch he made with so much pride.” For their older son, the highlight was all about food. “He’s a steak lover and still says that dinner at the Cultural Gathering Centre was the best he’s ever had.”

The boys also found joy in the little things—“bunk beds and buffalo” were enthusiastically declared as top trip moments. And for Christina and Peter? It was about reconnection and rest. “We all slept so well. The accommodations were incredibly comfortable, and the family-friendly layout gave us room to just be together.”

The playground, trails, and open spaces meant their kids could roam freely and safely—giving the whole family the kind of relaxed, meaningful time that’s so often hard to come by.

What to Expect at Family Camp

Family Camp at Métis Crossing is designed for quality time and cultural connection. The package includes two nights’ accommodations, all meals, and a carefully crafted itinerary that mixes free time with rich, interactive experiences.

Friday: Settle In and Explore

• 3:00 PM – Check in at your chosen accommodation: either a Lodge family room or the stunning Sky Watching Dome.
• Spend your afternoon exploring the trails, riverbank, or visiting the Gift Shop in the Cultural Gathering Centre.
• 6:00 PM – Dinner at the Lodge Bistro. Expect hearty, Métis-inspired dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients—and yes, the steak is a must-try.

Saturday: Culture and Wildlife

• 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM – Breakfast at the Bistro.
• 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Meet the Métis Signature Experience: explore historic homes, hear stories passed through generations, and get hands-on with traditional arts.
• 1:00 PM – Lunch at the Lodge.
• 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Visions, Hopes, and Dreams at Métis Crossing Wildlife Tour: meet heritage species like wood and white bison, elk, and Percheron horses. Travel in an SUV with a knowledgeable interpreter for a moving journey through Métis relationships with these animals.
• 6:00 PM – Dinner and wind down with free family time under Alberta’s big sky.

Sunday: Reflection and Farewell

• 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM – Enjoy Sunday Brunch before or after your final Signature Experience.
• 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Through the Eye of the Hunter: discover Métis hunting practices and teachings during a nature walk through the spruce clearing.

You’ll leave with full hearts, full bellies, and maybe even a new family tradition.

Stay Your Way

Choose from two premium accommodation options:

• Lodge Family Room: Queen bed, bunk bed (double/twin), private patio, and cozy charm.
• Family Sky Watching Dome: Sleeps 4–6 with a king bed, pull-out couch, bunk bed, kitchenette, bathroom, and see-through ceiling for stargazing.

Prices range from $1,328 to $2,373 (plus GST) for a family of four. All meals, lodging, and programming are included.

Make This Summer One to Remember

Family Camp at Métis Crossing is more than a summer escape—it’s a place where your kids can run free, where you can all learn something new, and where culture comes alive through laughter, food, and storytelling.

🧡 Spots are limited for July 4–6 and August 8–10, 2025.

👉 Register today and give your family the gift of connection, tradition, and summer memories they’ll talk about for years to come.